Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler

An intriguing portrait of British scientist Rosalind Franklin and her—often overlooked—role in the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. This complex tale explores how Franklin, a smart, stubborn, and courageous woman, operated in a field dominated by men. A balance of the historical, romantic, and scientific, Photograph 51 is a touching human play of ideas.
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Photograph 51

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant:
    1 Jan. 2021
    “ I listened to this play on the LA Theatre Works podcast, and I found it very engaging and informative. I didn't know anything about Rosalind Franklin before listening to this, and the play gave me plenty of information and helped me understand the issues and be engaged and invested in the characters despite my lack of background. Check it out! ”
  • Claudia Barnett:
    8 Jan. 2018
    “ I've wondered about Rosalind Franklin's role in the discovery of the structure of DNA--but I wonder no longer: Anna Ziegler has educated me. And as importantly, she's presented this lesson as a beautiful play, one with a cast of distinct and memorable characters and conflicts. ”
  • Steven G. Martin:
    28 Dec. 2017
    “ Photograph 51 is a standout not only because of its content -- sharing the story of Rosalind Franklin's work to unravel the mysteries of DNA -- but also because of its style and structure. Through the use of chorus, direct address/soliloquy/internal monologue, overlapping action, and even freezing time, Ziegler shows us a life of opportunities -- some seized, some missed -- and the joys and regrets stemming from them. The audience can see the science at work, yes, but more importantly they also see and understand the scientists. ”
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Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Cape Cod Theatre Project
    ,
    2009

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Michael Grandage Company, Noel Coward Theatre, West End, UK
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Lantern Theatre Company
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Mad Cow Theatre
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Readers Theatre of Ithaca
    ,
    2014
  • Professional
    ,
    Jewish Ensemble Theatre
    ,
    2013
  • Professional
    ,
    Nora Theatre Company
    ,
    2013
  • Professional
    ,
    Live Theatre Workshop
    ,
    2013
  • Professional
    ,
    Seattle Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2013
  • Professional
    ,
    English Theatre of Berlin
    ,
    2012
  • Professional
    ,
    Minnesota Jewish Theatre
    ,
    2012
  • Professional
    ,
    Vermont Stage
    ,
    2012
  • Professional
    ,
    Theater J
    ,
    2011
  • Professional
    ,
    Ensemble Studio Theatre
    ,
    2010
  • Professional
    ,
    Fountain Theatre
    ,
    2009
  • Professional
    ,
    Active Cultures
    ,
    2008

Awards

Winner
,
Best New Play
,
WhatsOnStage Awards
,
2016